Incorporated Companies

In B.C., incorporation creates a legal entity known as a corporation, commonly referred to as a company. Three types of companies may be created through incorporation:

Limited company (most common)

Unlimited liability company

Community contribution company

What Incorporation Means

Companies are incorporated in B.C. under the Business Corporations Act. The Act gives incorporated companies:

All the powers of an individual

An independent existence – separate and distinct from its shareholders

An unlimited life expectancy

A company can acquire assets, go into debt, enter into contracts, sue or be sued.

To Incorporate or Not to Incorporate

The decision of whether to incorporate depends on the goals of the organization and needs of the individuals involved (often called principals). If you have questions about whether or not to incorporate, ask an expert and seek legal advice.

Helpful Links

Request a Company Search

Searches will return information about an incorporated company.

Note: Information about shareholders or share certificates do not form part of the incorporation record filed with the registrar. Please contact the registered office of the company to obtain this information.

Need Advice?

BC Registries and Online Services staff are available to advise you on how to complete filings that satisfy the requirements specified in legislation. Registry staff do not provide business or legal advice. If you require professional advice, please contact a lawyer or an accountant.

For assistance filing documents, you may also contact BC Registries and Online Services' preferred legal service provider Dye & Durham.

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